They also hated that real kid's voice actors were used, that there was no laugh-track, and of course the quoting of Scripture by Linus. All of these things Charles Schultz (a former Sunday school teacher) insisted on. Since the whole thing was made in about three months and the network had already committed advertising to it in TV Guide and other places, it went on as planned. They just knew it would bomb, but it turned out otherwise.
Thanks! So glad Shultz stood firm. Everything about it is beautiful: funny, sweet, tender, heartbreaking....all wrapped up in a bowl.
It was their mother, Nancy Shea (RIP), who promoted her children in the film business. Christopher Shea (RIP) was the voice of Linus. We got to know Nancy as she was our neighbor and we got the chance to meet Christopher and his beautiful family a few times. Whenever I hear the Charlie Brown jazz being played on the radio I think of the Sheas and the tremendous gift they gave humanity.
CBS also passed on Star Trek in favor of Lost in Space. That should also tell you about their judgement at the time.
“They also hated that real kid’s voice actors were used, that there was no laugh-track, and of course the quoting of Scripture by Linus. All of these things Charles Schultz (a former Sunday school teacher) insisted on. Since the whole thing was made in about three months and the network had already committed advertising to it in TV Guide and other places, it went on as planned. They just knew it would bomb, but it turned out otherwise.”